Deed of settlement signed in Hawke's Bay

The Crown has signed a deed of settlement with a Hawke's Bay hapu, settling Treaty claims.

The settlement, with Maungaharuru-Tangitu Hapu was signed at Tangoio Marae near Napier on Saturday.

It includes compensation of $23 million, as well as the return of culturally significant properties including part of Opouahi Station, the Opouahi Scenic Reserve and the Te Pohue Domain Recreational Reserve.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson said public access to the land won't change.

Mr Finlayson who attended the signing, said the hapu was robbed of almost all its land through military conflict initiated by the Crown, as well as land seizures.

He sid the Government cannot fully compensate for the loss, but the settlement will provide a economic base for the benefit of the hapu and its community.